With the 2013 local waterpolo competitions just archived, ASA secretary general Marco Manara’s views on a largely eventful season could not have been more appropriate given his extensive knowledge of the game which is now spilling to administrative matters.
The Premier Division came to an end on Tuesday with a dramatic title decider contested by Neptunes Emirates and San Ġiljan Sir Alex, won by the Reds 9-7.
Manara said the quality of the competition was high also due to the global reputation and track record of the foreign players that were contracted.
“Certainly, many of these top players were impressed with the enthusiasm and following that there is in Maltese waterpolo and I am sure that they will act as top ambassadors to the local game wherever they may go,” Manara reckoned.
“As for our local players, some lived up or went beyond their expectations while others could have performed better. A positive feature was the increased engagement of younger players in most senior squads and many of these left a good impression.”
Turning to the league format, Manara said that initially it seemed to be leaving a negative impact on the attendances, with Neptunes appearing to be running away with the title.
“However, the results towards the latter part of the competition threw the championship race wide open again and the final crucial matches drew the characteristic large crowds to the pool,” he said.
“The format will definitely be up for scrutiny again in our next general meeting. All the pros and cons will be discussed but it must be emphasised that the clubs themselves will eventually decide which format will be implemented in the future.”
“The First Division was also keenly fought although Valletta United had a clear edge over the others.
“The shared athlete policy is proving to be a great success in this competition and is leaving its mark both on the teams and on the shared players themselves,” Manara added.
“The youth competitions were very evenly contested as the honours were distributed among different teams. This clearly shows the efforts being put in by many clubs in their junior squads.”
This summer, the ASA reintroduced a women’s waterpolo competition after a lapse of several years.
Four teams – Neptunes, San Ġiljan, Sirens and Sliema – took part. Neptunes were eventually crowned champions.
Many young players participated as they were enticed to join. This augurs well for the future of this competition.
Quality referees
Manara said: “Our next objective should be the formation of a national team and its eventual participation in the international competitions.”
Referring to the referees the ASA secretary said: “The number and quality of referees has to increase. This is a crucial aspect of the game and the ASA is committed to producing more and better trained referees.
“Scouting, holding of clinics and seminars, and presenting refereeing as an attractive local and international career are just some ways in which this goal can be achieved.”
On behalf of the ASA, Manara thanked all those who assisted in the organisation and realisation of these competitions including the council members, waterpolo committees, referees, coaches, players, the public and also the media for the coverage they give to aquatic sports.
Finally, he thanked the sponsors, Bank of Valletta and other programme supporters, without whose assistance the sport wouldn’t be achieving the levels of gameplay and following that it enjoys.